The speed with which a $31.8 million plan to build three parking garages in downtown Cincinnati could proceed took some City Council members by surprise Monday.

        Describing parking as a critical step in getting several housing developments off the ground, members were prepared to reject delays and tell city planners to move faster with parking plans.

        What they got instead was a commitment to build two of the three garages and have final proposals for each of the two in April and June.

        “For sure we can do the first one, and we're pretty sure we can do the (second),” Deputy City Manager Richard Mendes told council's community development committee.

        “It's a tight fit. That's why were saying "pretty sure.'”

        The garages, which will provide a total of 1,700 spaces, are planned for the southwest corner of Seventh and Broadway streets, the northeast corner of Seventh and Vine streets and on Elm Street between Sixth and Seventh streets.

        Most of the construction money comes from the city's parking fund, which is generated by fees collected from meters and city-owned garages.

        But Mr. Mendes said Monday it will also require a 5 percent rate increase at all city-owned garages every three years. The city is also looking for developers to pay the extra costs for the structure needed to support housing above the garages.

        “This does potentially change the face of downtown Cincinnati,” said Mayor Charlie Luken.

        At $9.1 million for 400 spaces, the first garage — at Seventh and Broadway — will be the most expensive per space, because it will be automated. Owners will leave their cars with an attendant who will use a lift to park and retrieve them. The garages are rare in the United States, but are frequently used in Japan and Europe, where space is at a premium, Mr. Mendes said.

        The second garage, at Seventh and Vine, will provide 500 spaces and will cost $10.2 million.

        The Elm Street garage, which Mr. Mendes said he doesn't expect will be considered until the end of the year, would cost about $12.5 million and provide about 800 spaces.

        The garage, planned in a historic building adjacent to Lofts at Shillito Place, was originally part of the deal to lure Nordstrom downtown.

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